Free summer meals return at FPS, YMCA

Youth 18 and under eligible for free breakfast, lunch

Students in need of a free bite to eat this summer can yet again rely on Fulton Public Schools and the Callaway County YMCA.

The organizations plan on giving out thousands of breakfasts and lunches between June and August as part of the Department of Health's Summer Food Service Program. There are no income restrictions, and any student 18 and under is welcome.

Fulton Public Schools Food Service Director Rhonda Fletcher said that last year, they served 3,800 breakfasts and 9,800 lunches.

"We need to be able to reach those kids who need to have the food and need to be fed during the summer," said Fletcher. "There is a need in this community for programs to help feed these kids."

FPS provides discounted and free meals for qualifying students from low-income families during the school year, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture teams up with local schools and organizations to provide free meals to children when school is out for the summer.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.